The results are given on the effects of extracts of the
leaves, fruits and roots of piru (Schinus molle) on the germination and
growth of cucumber and wheat. A strong inhibition was detected with the
extracts of leaves and fruits. The possible ecological significance of this
allelopathy is discussed.

"An adult male of Dacus dorsalis Hend. was caught on 6th
September 1974 in a McPhail trap in an orange tree in San Diego County,
California; a few days later another was caught in a Steiner trap in a
pepper tree [Schinus molle] in the same locality, and further examples from
pepper trees and sapote [Achras zapota] had not yet been definitely
identified. The area of infestation was about 10 mile2 and was not in a
commercial fruit-growing region. At about the same time a male was trapped
in an orange tree in a residential district of Los Angeles County, about 100
miles from the first collection site. "

Plants were studied for 2 years in Kibbutz Shamir, northern
Israel, and at Ilanoth in the Sharon coastal plain. Results are given for:
flowering period, foraging activity of honeybees, daily mean nectar content
per flower, nectar sugar concentration, sugar value [sugar yield/24
h/flower), and flight distance for a honeybee to fill its honey sac. Details
are given for 21 plants, with notes on the most important species. It is
concluded that it would be possible to span the dearth period in
Mediterranean regions of Israel by using introduced plants. Potentially the
most valuable are: Eucalyptus species, Schinus molle, Zizyphus spina-christi,
Rosmarinus officinalis, Eriobotrya japonica, Hakea laurina v. grammatophyla.
D. G. Lowe

S. molle has a low germinative capacity. Removal of the
mesocarp leads to rapid germination. It is concluded that the inhibitory
effect of the mesocarp is due to soluble substances contained in it as
damaging it without removing it does not stimulate germination, aqueous
extracts of intact seeds inhibit germination of seeds with the mesocarp
removed, and intact seeds soaked for 24 h or more have the same germination
rate as those with the mesocarp removed.

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius ), native to
Brazil, has become an aggressive perennial weed in S. Florida following its
introduction as an ornamental. Prospects for its biological control, based
on a survey of the literature and 2 preliminary field surveys, are
discussed. More than 150 phytophagous arthropods attack this plant in
Brazil. Potential control agents include Bruchus atronotatus [Acanthoscelides
atronotatus ], Episimus utilis and Crasimorpha infuscata, which were tested
and released in Hawaii, and Liothrips ichini. Major concerns are the value
of the plant to apiarists and the risk that introduced control agents will
also attack the ornamental S. molle.